In his post of March 29 Paul van Westendorp writes as if he knew little
about the Popodi Varroa Treatment Device.
 
The truth is that he has had one in his office in Cloverdale, B.C. since
March 12. It was hand delivered to his office. The manufacturer made sample
units available to interested apiculturists in B.C. and Eastern Canada.
Kerry Clark and John Gates - both British Columbia apiculturists - also have
sample VTDs.
 
Certainly these are busy people who may not have time to go through their
"In" baskets personally each and every day, but Van Westendorp's comments
are provocative when one knows he is familiar with the device and has for
some time had the opportunity to use it.
 
It is true that formic acid is potentially hazardous.  It is a common
industrial chemical and all devices for handling it - including the Popodi
VTD - come with instructions for safe use.  It is also true that, used as
directed, it is 100% effective.  No one who has worked with the VTD knows of
any instance when Varroa mites have survived exposure to formic acid fumes
in the controlled concentration the VTD provides. Nor are the bees affected,
so long as the evaporation rate is correctly controlled.
 
All of this will be substantiated in the near future to the satisfaction of
both the beekeeping community and the technoscientific establishment. The
university conducting the test program remains unnamed because of a
confidentiality agreement. The distinguished scientist in charge doesn't
want anxious beekeepers prowling all over his hive yards.
 
When the reports become available we look forward to the comments of Paul
van Westendorp, Dr. Nasser and all who are interested in controlling Varroa
jacobsoni. We don't have long to wait.
 
Meanwhile we urge Paul van Westendorp and others have have received
complimentary VTDs to try them out - being careful to follow the directions.
 
POPODI DEVELOPMENT
W.H. Phillips